Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Meet the newest member of the family…

Andrew and I are pleased to announce…another Yucca rostrata has joined the family! Meet Alberta…

Alberta came to us from the Cistus Nursery adoption agency. It was a tough decision whether to adopt Sally…

Or Alberta...

But in the end Alberta was the one, you could say we made a connection. Getting her home involved a little bondage, but since she knew soon (very soon) she would be allowed to spread out her roots and grow big and strong she underwent the indignity.

Actually she looks kind of cute with her up-do.

You've probably guessed where Alberta will be living?

So you've met the newest member of the family, I'm wondering if you've been formally introduced to the rest of the gang? Meet Sammy, our oldest Yucca rostrata. We're so proud of him.

lil’ Sanford...our second trunked Y. rostrata. He's kind of a punk.

Clifford, the big leaf Magnolia.

Mr. Big, the Agave americana 'Variegata' (he used to be much bigger please don’t let him know he’s shrinking with age).

And I think this might also be the official debut of Louis, the newest palm…

He’s made a previous appearance here on the blog but I don’t think I identified him by name. If you’re wondering if this Louis owes his name to this Louis, yes…he does…it was only right. So that’s our family, tell me…do you name your special plants?

They all spent a brief time getting to know each other in the back garden but now poor Alberta's all by herself out in the front garden, At least that way she can be the queen of the entire space and hopefully encourage the other, smaller/non-trunking, Y. rostratas out there. As for yer age that's a good question. Maybe 20yrs?

I just knew you were going to get a Y. rostrata to replace the Rhody! It will make such a statement in your front yard. Now you've got me thinking about giving a name to my little Y. rostrata. I'll come up with something.

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! You must be elated to finally have a girl! I know Alberta will be very happy with you and keep all those silly boys in line! (Also love the name of your new palm - perfect!)

Yes things were rather masculine around here...good to shake it up a bit. Hopefully Louis will demonstrate the same enthusiasm as the human Louis and grow like mad, thus shaming the other two palms into getting with the program.

I can't say for sure but it makes sense that they would be. I know the little ones I've had seem to kind of struggle and look a little sad after winter, where as the bigger ones don't seem to miss a beat.

I've never thought of naming my plants because I can barely remember their Latin names, common names, nursery names, cultivar names, and pass-a-long names. I like the idea, but what if one of them dies and people overhear you talking about it on your cell phone? Are there Hallmark cards for dead plants? I always considered this an excellent idea, but my non-gardening friends think I'm joking. They've never lost a Mr. Big, Clifford or a Sanford. It's tough to describe the loss of a garden loved one.David/:0)

I admire your named plants, but am just not up to it. They know I love them , though...at least I hope they do. Do you know any good shrinks for traumatized plants? Perhaps I am falsely accusing the gophers.